Defining a Badder B*tch than Taylor Swift

This week the Intenet turned around a little bit and became a wonderful place. In response to a tweet asking to name a “badder b*tch than Taylor Swift,” the viral thread turned into an endless list of women who give no f*cks, fight the patriarchy, defy the rules, and straight up kill it in their respective fields.

Familiar names like authors Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf popped up along modern day heroes like Malala Yousafzai, Safiyyah Khan, and Rosa Parks. Others were personal stories of their mothers or grandmothers doing incredible feats that fall under “Things Women Do On the Daily Without the Need for Recognition.”

The list which is now strong at over 11,000 replies as of writing is an unexpected history and social lesson we need. It also made me wonder what does it take to be a bad b*tch. Also known as things TayTay needs to accomplish so she can truly own up to her new reputation.

#1 Giving the patriarchy the middle finger simply by living your life

Any Black Woman or Latina having to successfully raise children in a world so geared toward their destruction as to be damn near impossible and end up with fully actualized, functioning, contributing members of American society.

#3 Not listening to the misogynists because what do they really know?

Kathrine Switzer. In 1967, she became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entry. Officials tried to physically stop her, and she was attacked by other runners, but she managed to finish the race. https://t.co/MX7r6wiVjz#badderthantaylor#runlikeagirl

#4 Living your dream to the tune of “Papa Don’t Preach”

With $35 in her pocket a 19 year old @Madonna ran away from home and ended up in New York City where she slept in benches and abandoned buildings while working on her music, she’s now worth a billion dollars and the Queen of Pop.

#6 Being this First Lady turned US Senator turned Secretary of State turned first female US presidential candidate

#7 Telling it like it is with no apologies

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. Asia's "Iron Lady." 1st Filipino & Asian offered a judgeship in the International Criminal Court. Served as a trial judge during Pres. Marcos dictatorship where she set free activists who were jailed for rallying the streets. #badderthantaylorswiftpic.twitter.com/sEGABmtM39

So Taylor, it’s not that you’re not a bad b*tch or that we’re pitting women against one another. But you could do better than your latest revenge videos and new look. One suggestion? Finally speak up against the white, male privilege and putting aside your apolitical views?